Abortion may end a pregnancy, but it doesn’t necessarily end pregnancy symptoms. You may still experience symptoms like morning sickness, breast tenderness, and fatigue for a while afterward, regardless of what kind of procedure you had.
In this blog, we’ll break down why pregnancy symptoms last after abortion and when they typically subside. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Do Pregnancy Symptoms Last After Abortion?
Unfortunately, pregnancy symptoms won’t immediately go away after an abortion.
During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin). Research suggests that it causes certain pregnancy symptoms, like nausea and vomiting.[1] It can take between 16 days to 2 months for your hCG levels to drop[2], causing pregnancy symptoms to linger.
How Long Do Symptoms Last After Abortion?
As mentioned above, pregnancy symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after an abortion.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common pregnancy symptoms and how long they may last after an abortion:
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can take up to three days to go away after a surgical abortion. Additionally, one of the main side effects of the abortion pill is nausea, which can be severe.[3] If you take the wrong dosage, nausea can last up to a week and you may need medical treatment to stop it.[4]
Breast Tenderness and Swelling
Breast tenderness is caused by the hormone progesterone, which helps your body maintain the early stages of pregnancy.[5] Breast tenderness may last for a week to 10 days after an abortion.
Fatigue
Fatigue is common during pregnancy, but it can also be a side effect of abortion. You may feel physically and emotionally exhausted for a few days afterward. Here are some tips to support your physical recovery[6]:
- If you’re working and/or in school, you may want to take a few days off to rest.
- Avoid strenuous activity for a few days. Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.
- Avoid vaginal intercourse for up to 3 weeks, unless approved by your doctor.
- Avoid aerobic activity, such as running or working out until approved by your doctor.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
While certain pregnancy symptoms are normal after an abortion, there are side effects that could indicate a complication that needs to be treated immediately. Examples include:
- Hemorrhaging. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, if you soak through two full-size sanitary pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging.[7]
- Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after misoprostol has been taken. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection.[8]
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking the second medication, an infection may have developed. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat your condition.[9]
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider right away to receive treatment.
How to Manage Post-Abortion Symptoms
Abortion can be an overwhelming experience, both physically and mentally. It’s important to practice self-care to support your physical and emotional well-being. Here are a few post-abortion care tips to help manage lingering pregnancy symptoms:
- Rest. Abortion can be a painful and exhausting experience. Give yourself enough time to rest and recover. Avoid strenuous activities and get enough sleep.
- Stay hydrated. Fatigue and nausea can sometimes be worsened by dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water as you recover.
- Eat well. A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and protein can support your body’s physical recovery.
- Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help with cramping and general discomfort but always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Reach out for emotional support. If you are struggling emotionally, reach out to people you trust for support. If you don’t feel safe confiding in someone you know, consider joining an after-abortion support group.
Post-Abortion Care and Support Groups in Alabama and Online
We understand how triggering pregnancy symptoms can be, especially after an abortion. We’re here to help you find hope and healing. Consider joining one of our post-abortion support groups. Groups are located in various locations in Alabama. You can also participate virtually.
Give us a call at (205) 894-2868. today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Abortion Recovery Alabama does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/nausea-during-pregnancy/faq-20057917
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6462569/
- Misoprostol (Oral Route). Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 1). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064805?p=1
- See source #3.
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24562-progesterone
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, January 1). Abortion – procedure – aftercare. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000658.htm
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2016). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- MedlinePlus. (2016, May 16). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
